If you’ve ever wondered why I’m not satisfied with my local disability services…

If you’ve ever wondered why I’m motivated to create a nonprofit organization that is committed to enrichment, employment, and empowerment…

If you’ve ever wondered why I’m convinced change is necessary to provide my kids and other people just like them with what they need to participate fully in our society…

If you’ve ever wondered why a little is just not enough…

I got a letter in the mail addressed to Alex. It concerns the county program that is supposed to help him transition from high school to adult life. It is the program that is, literally, intended to integrate him into the community of our county. Alex was “placed on the waiting list according to the date of your referral.” He is the 244th person on this list. This means in approximately 10 years he will begin to receive services.

He just turned 15, so he won’t receive integration services until he is 25. I’ve been told educational services expire when he turns 22. Now, it may be that I’m just bad at math, but those numbers don’t really work for me.

The worst part of all is, unless there are positive changes, the program isn’t really designed to meet Alex’s needs. It’s not designed to meet anyone’s needs. It offers a menu of choices. It provides services. Keep reading the new posts this week to gain a better understanding of the difference.